A driver's licence is more than just permission to drive, it's a key that unlocks opportunities. It can open the door to employment, education, training, healthcare, and greater independence.
At COLAB, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to gain these life-changing skills. That's why we've created Drive 2 Thrive, a community programme that makes professional driving lessons more affordable and accessible for people across the Te Puke Maketu ward.

Learn with Confidence
Drive 2 Thrive provides subsidised driving lessons for people with a New Zealand Learner Licence. Lessons are delivered by a certified driving instructor every Tuesday in Te Puke, helping learners build confidence, develop safe driving skills, and progress towards their Restricted Licence.
Participants receive one-on-one, professional driving instruction to help them build confidence, develop safe driving habits, and work towards gaining their Restricted and Full New Zealand driver's licences.
We are here to support you take the next step towards your licence.

Why Drive to Thrive Matters
For many people, not having a driver's licence can be one of the biggest barriers to employment and independence.

Research shows that:

• Around 70% of jobs and 85% of entry-level positions require a driver's licence.
• Approximately 95% of young people leave school without a full New Zealand driver's licence.
• Every year, between 70,000 and 90,000 New Zealanders begin the licensing journey, yet around 40% do not progress to their Restricted licence.

The reasons are often the same—driving lessons can be expensive, access to a suitable vehicle can be limited, and many learners simply don't have someone who can teach or support them.

Supporting Our Community
Drive to Thrive is helping remove these barriers by providing affordable, professional driving tuition in a supportive environment.
By helping more people gain their driver's licence, we're not only supporting individual success, we're strengthening our community through improved access to employment, education, training, and essential services, while helping create safer roads for everyone.
Register Your Interest
It's never too late to start your driving journey.
If you'd like to learn more or register your interest in Drive to Thrive, we'd love to hear from you.

Together, we're helping our community get behind the wheel and drive towards a brighter and safer future.